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682 Polyethylene core cladding panels used on residential high rise building

A reporter is writing as a precautionary measure following the Grenfell Tower Fire to say that a similar type of rainscreen panel, ie a polyethylene core with metal skin, was used at a residential tower block which they visited in 2011. It is believed that this block is privately owned so would not necessarily be picked up in a review of buildings owned by local authorities and housing associations.

During the construction of a major new school facility, a 57 metre single span structural steel truss failed, resulting in the catastrophic collapse of a steel framed canopy supported by the truss. At the time of failure five workers were on the top of the canopy, some 15 m above ground level. All received significant injuries but survived. The immediate cause of the failure was associated with the fracture of a number of sub-size fillet welds joining paired load bearing tie bars at nodal points.

Structural-Safety

We depend on individuals and firms participating by sending reports of their experiences and concerns in confidence to Structural-Safety. The names of reporters are never revealed and only the technical aspects that could help structural engineers are published.

Weather damage reports

Severe weather events have caused extensive damage and disruption to infrastructure and buildings with serious consequences for many. Creating a record of damage to buildings and structures has the support of DCLG and other government agencies in the UK to help formulate long term strategies for the Building Regulations. The CROSS system will be used for collecting and processing information and has been adapted to gather the data needed. More information here.

It is recognised that climate change is having effects which may manifest themselves in weather events that result in damage. This study is not concerned with the reasons for climate change but only whether the consequences might lead to changes in regulations and practices.

We are therefore interested in damage caused to buildings and building related infrastructure by weather events. These can be sudden actions such as tornadoes or lightning strikes, or longer term events such as floods. The aim is to gather information that can be used to assess the capability of our buildings to withstand the weather patterns that may be becoming more common. Reports can be made here.

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